Mustang Martigan Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 I was looking at Epiphone Lp's today and when I was talking to one of the tech guys he suggested I check out the Gibson LP Studios instead. His argument was that for a few hundred dollars more you're getting a much more quality instrument...better wood, electronics, etc. Then he was comparing the Gibson LP Studio to imore expensive Standard. He was saying that besides a sometimes chambered body, better paint job, binding and other cosmetics, you're basically getting the same guitar. I'd love to hear what all your thoughts are on this.... Thanks, Adam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabs Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 Yup... I would certainly agree with that... I have two Standard level models and two Studio level models and love them all equally... All of the differences are cosmetic... apart from that a Studio is made in exactly the same way, buy the same people as the Standards and all the other USA models... I don't think they even use chambering any more.. I think its all modern weight relieved (well Les Pauls anyway). If you haven't seen it this vid is very interesting and shows you what you pay for.. All those man hours... And one last thing which I said on another thread recently... Epiphone make great guitars for the money and BUT they aint no Gibson... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobF_ Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 My LPs are of equal quality, but I actually play the Studio more these days. It's a bit lighter and I'm still on a Honeymoon with the SD pups I put in it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mustang Martigan Posted August 17, 2015 Author Share Posted August 17, 2015 What are all your thoughts on the newer Gibson LP's, any type, vs ones made 10-15 years ago? I've read/heard that they aren't constructed as well and that the electronics, and maybe even the wood, is inferior to the earlier models. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobF_ Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 My LPs are 15 years apart. I don't care for the PCB control mounting in newer models. Other than that, my '14 is built just as well as my '99, IMO. Every year there are good ones and "bad" ones. Way more good than bad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenan Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 Epiphone make great guitars for the money and BUT they aint no Gibson... Epiphone proves one can make a quality (licensed!) Les Paul (as much as it sounds absurd) with a less and for a lesser price (I'm refering to higher range Epis like Plus Top Pros, Customs etc). If it wasn't for Epiphone, I would have never bought a Gibson..and not because my Les Paul was bad, just the opposite..I loved it and than I started wondering.."Hmmm..well, if this looks and feels great..I wonder what's all the fuss about Gibsons?" And once I could afford it, I purchased one and now I have two (in my opinion) great Les Pauls I enjoy playing. I may be an idiot but..this whole "better wood, electronics.." etc.. talk..it all sounds really nice but..I'm more of a "what I see and what I get" guy..so if the guitar looks nice, plays nice and feels nice..I really don't care what's inside of it or if the headstock says "Epiphone" or "Gibson". i will never cut it open so you can tell me it's made out of ginger bread for all I care.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabs Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 I may be an idiot but..this whole "better wood, electronics.." etc.. talk..it all sounds really nice but..I'm more of a "what I see and what I get" guy..so if the guitar looks nice, plays nice and feels nice..I really don't care what's inside of it or if the headstock says "Epiphone" or "Gibson". i will never cut it open so you can tell me it's made out of ginger bread for all I care.. In this case "better" doesn't mean it sounds better or makes a better guitar, just usually that the grain is really nice and matched or in the case of the maple tops that they are nice and flamey (and nice maple does cost)..... So as mentioned above, its just a cosmetic thing really. Electronics wise Studios and Standards are pretty much the same.. The main difference is the pickups which vary on each model anyway... And I agree with you... A guitar should be judged on how it suits the player.. not what its made out of or what name is on the headstock... Every guitar is kinda unique in that way.. Anyone whos done that search for "the one" knows what im talking about... You can try 10 or 20 guitars and may only really like two of them.. Even if you play 10 of the same model and make, because wood is a natural product and each bit is unique and the guitars final neck profile and set up will vary between each one. So they really are all slightly different.. But those small differences can make a big difference to a player. In saying all of that.. I still think theres nothing quite like a good roaring Gibson Les Paul (but im admittedly biased so I would say that :D) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mustang Martigan Posted August 18, 2015 Author Share Posted August 18, 2015 I totally agree that the most important things r how it plays n sound (plays maybe a bit more important). My local store has a '06 Epi LP Custom and a '96 Gibson LP Studio that both play great. They are both white w/ gold hardware. The Studio definitely has a better vibe. I'm a rhythm player n I was pullin sick riffs outta my *** on it. I've heard the Studio n it sounds rad...haven't tried the Epi yet (time restrictions). This is where that whole argument comes into play regarding not caring about brand. The Studio is over double the price of the Epi ($800 vs $350). To change the subject for a moment, the store also has a '60's Gibson Melody Maker that plays like a dream, a true diamond in the rough Gibson. If money wasn't a factor I would have thrown down the $1250 right then n there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 Studio's just have less Bling. no Binding, fancy inlays, and a thinner maple cap. After that, they are essentially the same. About an older verses newer.. well, my 2 LPs are older ones, a 95, and a 2002 Standard. They're fantastic players, and I've never had a problem with either of them. They are timeless workhorses. I'm not a fan of the changes with the new Gibson's these days, I prefer the older ones. My son has recently bought a Epi Les Paul Tribute, that thing is incredible. It needs a setup tho.. but a VERY nice LP, for the money he paid, it's a slamin deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
btoth76 Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 ...thinner maple cap... Hello Ray! The top is the same, the body is thinner by 5 milli-metres. Cheers... Bence Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silvercrow Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 I'm a recent Gibson LP convert and all I could afford at the time was a Studio. I read in more than a few articles by respected writers that the Studio was a "working man's" LP. Since I'm not much for bling, coupled with the fact that my Studio and I bonded the instant I sat down with her to try her out, is enough for me. Would I love a Traditional or Classic in "Tea Burst". Probably! BUT my Ruby Red is gorgeous- I get compliments on it all the time. AND I'm smiling EVERY time I uncase it and begin to play it! As weird / vain as this sounds, I never liked the Epiphone headstocks. A silly thing, I know, but it is what it is for me. LONG LIVE THE STUDIO! Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zentar Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 As weird / vain as this sounds, I never liked the Epiphone headstocks. A silly thing, I know, but it is what it is for me. Epi Archtop HeadstockThe Epi headstock is the best looking in the biz. Just one reason I am an Epi Casino fan over the Gibby archtops. Dunno why Epi LP headstocks don't use the archtop headstock design. The Epi LP headstock is shorter than their archtop headstock. BTW the Studio doesn't utilize shielding. You can add this your self though. Shielding adds to the LPs price no doubt. Paint jobs on Studios determine most of the price differences. Nitrocellulose adds about $350. Even more when graphics, pinstriping are added. The top of the heap Studios can get up above $1600 so when you get up near the price of the LP Standard you might want to switch over to the Standard. Faded Studios can be as low as $689. There is a wide range of prices among Studios. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
btoth76 Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 ...Paint jobs on Studios determine most of the price differences. Nitrocellulose adds about $350... Hello! You mean compared to the PU finish of Epiphones? Nitro is easier to apply, and cures faster. But it definitely makes shipping and handling riskier, as it's being a very fragile finish. Studios are cheaper from Standards, mainly because of the binding. It's the most time/labour-consuming process of crafting of these instruments, and it can't be automatized. All done by hand. Epiphones are entirely different story. They are made of the mahogany of the East: nato. The nice flame top on them is often just a veneer over plain maple. PU finish - minimizes loss during shipping. And, - of course - Far-Eastern wages that are fractions of the American. Cheers... Bence Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kidblast Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 Hello Ray! The top is the same, the body is thinner by 5 milli-metres. Cheers... Bence Bence. I think I've made this mistake before haven't I? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
btoth76 Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 Bence. I think I've made this mistake before haven't I? In fact, me too, couple of years ago. Then Pippy told me about that. So, I have pulled the pickups out of my Studio and the Classic Custom... the top is the same. Cheers... Bence Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zentar Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 The Gibby nitro finishes are very expensive. More so the Fender polyurethane. Nitro is multi coated and hung to dry between coats. It requires more time to perform. It has a very durable finish. All the pricey LPs are nitro finished. Nitro is never used on acoustics or arch tops since it is thick and would deaden tone from dampening wood vibration. Faded finishes on some studios are much less expensive and thinner. Colors may come off on your hands and clothes while playing some faded Studios. Many acoustics use a thin satin finish to retain wood vibration. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mustang Martigan Posted August 18, 2015 Author Share Posted August 18, 2015 The tech at my local shop was tellin me that black n wine red Studios are typically cheaper than any other Studio. They're usually Standards that had a **** up in their paint job n got thrown in the reject pile, to later get a quick coat and Studio label. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
btoth76 Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 Hello Zentar! For fact's sake, all Gibson branded guitars are finished with nitrocellulose lacquer, including acoustics and archtops. Those latter usually have thicker finishes than solids. Bence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
btoth76 Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 ...They're usually Standards that had a **** up in their paint job n got thrown in the reject pile, to later get a quick coat and Studio label. Hello! Better look for another tech. Such a stupidity is unacceptable from a professional. The person clearly has no understanding of the construction of Gibson guitars, still expresses His opinion. Does He really think the binding is applied after finishing? Think of it... Best wishes... Bence Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zentar Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 The tech at my local shop was tellin me that black n wine red Studios are typically cheaper than any other Studio. They're usually Standards that had a **** up in their paint job n got thrown in the reject pile, to later get a quick coat and Studio label. Studio bodies are sized different from Standards. This rumor you heard is not true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mustang Martigan Posted August 19, 2015 Author Share Posted August 19, 2015 Hello! Better look for another tech. Such a stupidity is unacceptable from a professional. Ha Ha! He's not my tech, just works at the local music shop. You're the second person in the last two days to call this guy stupid on a forum; his other "stupid" comment was tube related. Years back I brought him my ex-late '70's Marshall JMP to cascade the inputs, a simple mod. He insisted that Marshall never made a JMP w/ non-cascaded inputs. He was so sure of himself that he refused to check out the schematics I had in my hand. He was right, I was wrong, conversation over. This ****'s too funny. Although he was the guy that got me to start looking at Studios, and inform me that they're basically Standards minus the cosmetics. There is something about the binding tho...kinda completes the overall look. Unfortuantely, I'm so broke that I can only afford the Epi (from orig post) lay-a-way down payment. They also got this red Regal LP copy that looks pretty rad, and it's under two hundo. Not sure why the model's dubbed "LP Copy" tho, cuz it doesn't really have much of a resemblance. If the body wasn't made of Pinewood it be way more of an attractive buy.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silvercrow Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 The Gibby nitro finishes are very expensive. More so the Fender polyurethane. Nitro is multi coated and hung to dry between coats. It requires more time to perform. It has a very durable finish. All the pricey LPs are nitro finished. Nitro is never used on acoustics or arch tops since it is thick and would deaden tone from dampening wood vibration. Faded finishes on some studios are much less expensive and thinner. Colors may come off on your hands and clothes while playing some faded Studios. Many acoustics use a thin satin finish to retain wood vibration. You'd be wrong on nitro not being used on acoustics. Don't know about Gibson (Never owned a Gibson acoustic) but my Santa Cruz DPW and my Martin D18SS both had nitro finishes. As does my Breedlove C25 CreH. Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
btoth76 Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 Ha Ha! He's not my tech, just works at the local music shop. You're the second person in the last two days to call this guy stupid on a forum; his other "stupid" comment was tube related. Years back I brought him my ex-late '70's Marshall JMP to cascade the inputs, a simple mod. He insisted that Marshall never made a JMP w/ non-cascaded inputs. He was so sure of himself that he refused to check out the schematics I had in my hand. He was right, I was wrong, conversation over. This ****'s too funny. Although he was the guy that got me to start looking at Studios, and inform me that they're basically Standards minus the cosmetics. There is something about the binding tho...kinda completes the overall look. Unfortuantely, I'm so broke that I can only afford the Epi (from orig post) lay-a-way down payment. They also got this red Regal LP copy that looks pretty rad, and it's under two hundo. Not sure why the model's dubbed "LP Copy" tho, cuz it doesn't really have much of a resemblance. If the body wasn't made of Pinewood it be way more of an attractive buy.. Hello Adam! I know these guys. One of them couldn't turn a bridge thumbwheel on my Classic Custom without raking up the finish with his fingernails on it. That was when I quit dealing with them, and bought all the basic luthier tools one-by-one and learned how to do things. Epiphones, they are nice guitars in their segment. I heard that built quality became much better in the recent years. Nothing wrong with going for an Epiphone Les Paul instead of a Gibson. It's all about how You feel. Play them both and see if an Epiphone satisfies You. If You feel it lacks anything compared to a Gibson, it will bug You until You buy a Gibson. So, You threw out Your money in the first place. Don't hurry, stack up the pennies if You want the Gibson. Anyways, it's a longer quest to find the "real" one. Good luck... Bence Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zentar Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 You'd be wrong on nitro not being used on acoustics. Don't know about Gibson (Never owned a Gibson acoustic) but my Santa Cruz DPW and my Martin D18SS both had nitro finishes. As does my Breedlove C25 CreH. Brian Most acoustic Gibbys are are not nitro finished. Most all acoustics are natural finished. A thick finish dampens the sound by restricting wood vibrations. Taylor guitar uses a very thin satin coating machine applied to get an extremely thin coat. If you recall the Beatles would strip ALL the finish off hollow body electrics. The most famous Epiphone model was a Casino hollow body that Lennon stripped off the finish. Any finish dampens the vibrations(sound) on acoustics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
btoth76 Posted August 19, 2015 Share Posted August 19, 2015 Most acoustic Gibbys are are not nitro finished... Hello Zentar! Color Code: AN Surface Texture: Smooth/ Hi Gloss 90 Sheen Lacquer Filler: Rosewood Sealer: 1-1.5 mils Top Coat: Hi Gloss Lacquer/ 90 Sheen 7-8 mils Scraped: Fingerboard Sides and Nut Specs for Gibson LG-2 American Eagle - I have just picked one. The rest of the guitars will have the same description for sure. Cheers... Bence Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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